PESHAWAR, Jan 24: For the first time in the 54-year history of Pakistan, 70 per cent inaccessible area of Khyber Agency Tirah has not only become accessible but its residents have seen a a ray of hope of getting basic facilities of life.

Tirah valley, which constitute more than 70 per cent of the most important agency of tribal belt, Khyber Agency, and also some parts of Kurram and Orakzai agencies, got attention after the Taliban regime collapsed in Afghanistan and most of Al Qaida members gathered at Tora Bora, south of Jalalabad. Tora Bora is very closed to Tirah valley.

In order to prevent Al Qaida men and their supporters from entering Pakistan, the government decided to deploy armed forces on the Durand line from Arandu in Chitral to Angora Ada, South Waziristan Agency.

In the past tribesmen had resisted to any development due to their ignorance and they were severely deceived by their socalled elders — living in the posh areas of Peshawar and Islamabad. But now the people have realized their mistakes and now desirous to get similar opportunities of improvement and development.

During their first ever visit recently by the NWFP governor, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, Corp Commander Lt Gen Ali Jan Khan Orakzai and some foreign and local journalists, other authorities of the province approved a road which directly connect Kurram Agency at Sada to Peshawar passing on Dogar, Haider Kandao, Qambar Khel area and Malik Din Khel area. The move was highly appreciated by the people.

The road will not only solve the problem of communication but would also provide opportunities of employment, better health and education facilities.

The governor during his visit had announced Rs 580 million development package for Tirah and assured of giving more funds for the uplift of the area in the coming financial year.

The move included people’s representation in the NWFP assembly and introduction of devolution plan in the FATA.—PPI